Wessling (Germany), 8 January 2013 – CAD/CAM software manufacturer OPEN MIND Technologies AG will present hyperMILL® 2012, one of the leading CAM solutions, at SolidWorks World 2013. OPEN MIND will demonstrate efficient machining strategies SolidWorks® users can access directly from their software environment with hyperMILL® at Booth 810 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida, from 20 to 23 January 2013.

"SolidWorks World is very important for us as we are experiencing a great deal of demand from SolidWorks® users," says Alan Levine, Managing Director of OPEN MIND Technologies USA. "This demonstrates the excellent continuity from the CAD software to hyperMILL® all the way to the milling machine." OPEN MIND will also be presenting a customer case Fifth Axis Fixtures in the Certified Partner Theater on January 20 at SolidWorks World.

Seamless workflows

The seamless integration of hyperMILL® for SolidWorks® allows continuous processes from the drawing right through to the machine. This means the CAD and CAM systems work with the same data model and therefore draw on a common data foundation. There is no loss of data between CAD and CAM steps. Integrating the two systems also means that SolidWorks® users do not have to leave the familiar user interface.

"SolidWorks® is probably one of the most important CAD systems on the market, which is why we place great emphasis on providing users with a continuous workflow. This helps to eliminate errors and ensures a transparent process," says Alan Levine.

Examples of new features

Highlights of Version 2012 include automated programming options for rectangular pockets, optimisations for 3D roughing and new 5axis strategies for applications such as machining impellers and blisks. The solution significantly reduces manufacturing times thanks to new machining strategies, and we were also able to further accelerate tool path calculations during program generation. For example, during 5axis contour offset machining with hyperMILL®, users now avoid redundant movements thanks to the new axial sorting option that makes it possible to divide machining into zones. This allows corners or pockets, for example, to be machined individually one after another. The user can decide whether to process the geometries with axial sorting or whether to use an offset-level approach.

One of the enhancements to the 3D pocket milling is that the entry ramp can be moved continuously in one direction. The pocket is then cleared from the outside in. Advantage: Thanks to the continuous inward movement of the ramp, the tool path is optimised, and zig-zag movements are avoided.